‘Faked’ armed raid – barmen arrested

Feb 28 2008 by Neil Mckay, The Journal

MEMBERS of a prestigious North East golf club and entertainment venue have been rocked by revelations that an “armed robbery” in their club may have been faked.

Two barmen have been arrested following allegations that they plotted to make up details of the robbery to steal £600 themselves from the bar float at Mount Oswald Manor and Golf Club, off South Road, Durham.

One, a 21-year-old local man, told police that he was threatened by two robbers, one brandishing a gun and the other a baseball bat, last Thursday.

He also claimed his assailants, wearing hoods with scarves pulled across their faces, bound him with sticky tape before fleeing the premises with the cash.

Officers from the Durham Neighbourhood Policing Team carried out an investigation and on Tuesday night re-interviewed the barman and a second local man, a 19-year-old who was also a barman, about the same incident.

As a result of that interview, police said both men, who have not been named, were arrested on suspicion of theft.

They continue to be held at Durham City police station for questioning.

Officers have recovered a bag containing £291 and continue their search for the remainder of the missing money.

Det Insp Brad Howe said that although investigators had had doubts about the truth of the claims made by the 21-year-old, a full and thorough investigation had been conducted.

He said he would seek advice from lawyers from the Crown Prosecution Service to determine what charges should be preferred against the two members of staff.

Nigel Galvin, director at Mount Oswald Golf Club, said members were shocked by the allegations.

He added: “We feel it is advisable not to comment during the police investigation.”

The golf club’s Georgian Manor House is a popular venue for weddings, conferences and other functions.